CC Takes Gaming to the Next Level

Since 2019, the team has been a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association's Esports. In its first year, CC finished first and third in Smash Ultimate and second in Rocket League. In spring 2020, CC finished first in Overwatch, third for Smash Ultimate, and third in Rocket League. This year, the team ended its season in the top eight in Rocket League, Valorant, and Hearthstone.

One CC player, Jaden Grimes, was named the 2021 Player of the Year by the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors. He was also selected for the 2021 All-American Team.

This continued success is great news for Centralia College, which has taken the lead statewide in esports. Centralia College’s team was the first official collegiate team in the state and CC was the first college to offer scholarships to esports student-athletes. 

“The college’s excitement for this program blew me away,” Beach said. “I thought, if they’re this excited, we can make something really cool here.”

The team currently has around 16 rostered players who practice Smash Ultimate, Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate at the esports arena in room 339 in the TransAlta Commons.

Esports is open to all student at the college – even Running Start students still in high school – and scholarships are available. But, like any sport, there are commitments. Beach expects a lot from his players, and he takes coaching seriously. New players can start now to be ready for winter quarter.

“Competitive gaming is different from playing a game, just like professional baseball is different from playing stickball in the park with a whiffle ball,” he said. “You do drills, learn how to compete and how to approach skills differently.”

Beach’s ultimate goal is to build excitement for esports, cultivate skill, and help players earn college scholarships. Ultimately, esports can propel students through college and into a good career. Positions include esports writers, players, managers, coaches, analysts, event coordinators, web developers, and social media managers. And Beach said, “Esports-themed bars and restaurants are popping up all over – including one in the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas – looking for bar managers and events coordinators.” 

Watch Centralia College’s esports team at https://www.twitch.tv/centralia_college_esports. 

For more information on the team, contact Jacob Beach at jacob.beach@centralia.edu.